To Allay Staff Fears After Devastating Earthquake, Law Firm Leaves New Structural Support Exposed

To allay fears of some law firm staff after a devastating earthquake last year left much of Christchurch, N.Z., in ruins, Malley & Co. Lawyers left a massive new X-shaped internal structural brace exposed and painted it bright orange when it moved back to the central city from temporary quarters this month.

The idea was that it would be better to show people what had been done, rather than simply tell them that all was well, partner John Shingleton explained to the Fairfax News. He serves as acting general manager of the 115-year-old law firm.

“It was to show how the building has been structured, but also we thought, ‘Why not make it like a piece of art?’ It’s turned out better than we thought, actually,” he said.